zi6 bin6自便
Jyutpingzi6 bin6
Yalejih bihn
Definition
To make oneself at home; to feel comfortable and do as one pleases without formality.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
Used primarily as a polite way to tell a guest they do not need to stand on ceremony. It functions as a signal that the host is occupied or that the guest has permission to help themselves to food, drinks, or facilities without asking for constant approval. It carries a warm, hospitable tone that effectively lowers the social barrier between host and visitor.
Examples
Feel free to eat whatever is here, make yourself at home.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in overly formal business settings, as it implies a level of familiarity and informality that might be perceived as unprofessional. It is strictly for social contexts where you want to put a guest at ease.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
